Biologically Modified Magnetic Activated Carbon (BIOMAC) for Water Purification and Other Applications

Removal of undesirable/toxic inorganic contaminants from waster water and drinking water is a major challenge owing to the stringent EPA regulations. Although, several methods have been proposed and shown to be effective for removal of these contaminants, large scale, economic removal will most likely be confined to adsorption or combined biological-adsorption processes. This technology produces powdered magnetically activated carbon (MAC) that be used separately, or with modifications with the help of inorganic, microbial and biomaterial would lead to an efficient and economic recovery of contaminants from mining, environmental and drinking water and could potentially be used in several other areas.

Benefits
BIOMAC has improved selectivity and overall effect for bit specific and general water purification. The first proposed BIOMAC product will remove arsenic and other heavy metals, improve taste and odor at an expected cost of ~$0.0005/gal compared to current costs of ~ $0.13/gal by using absorptive media.
BIOMAC can be used for the following commercial applications:
Removal of metals from environmental and drinking waters, odor removal, wastewater treatment, biomedical materials and treatments, assays, assay supports, mining and mineral processing, ore recovery, mercury removal from flue dusts.

Stage of Development
A formal patentability opinion is being considered at this time. This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program. It is available for developmental research support/licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.